Brian Head fire grows to 957 acres, 1 home lost

The entire town of Brian Head is under evacuation as a 957-acre man made wildfire threatens the mountain community.

The fire grew overnight from 500 to 957 acres despite showing slow movement. It is still zero percent contained.

A fire burns in Brian Head on Saturday, June 17, 2017.

A fire burns in Brian Head on Saturday, June 17, 2017.

Jordan Allred / The Spectrum & Daily News

One home has been lost and another sustained damage from the blaze Saturday evening. Multiple home and the Parowan Valley watershed area are currently being threatened, according to a news release.

"Firefighter’s first priority is public and firefighter safety," a news release from the U.S. Forest Service said. "They are working to protect structures and homes in the area."

Some 750 residents and visitors were evacuated shortly after 3 p.m. Saturday. Many of the visitors from locations such as California and Nevada were left wondering when they could return to collect their belongings.

The fire is continuing to show active behavior — including crowing, spotting and torching — as flames come dangerously close to homes.

A fire burns in Brian Head on Saturday, June 17, 2017.

A fire burns in Brian Head on Saturday, June 17, 2017.

Jordan Allred / The Spectrum & Daily News

The high temperatures aren't helping either. Temperatures are expected to rise to the mid-70s Sunday.

"Record challenging heat is expected in the coming days and will continue to challenge suppression efforts," the release said.

A fire burns in Brian Head on Saturday, June 17, 2017.

A fire burns in Brian Head on Saturday, June 17, 2017.

Jordan Allred / The Spectrum & Daily News

Due to the large flames and terrain, much of the fire fighting has come from the air, Mike Melton, fire management officer for the southwest Utah area and state aviation officer for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, said.

A temporary flight restriction is in place as helicopters and plans will drop fire retardant near the perimeter to slow the progression of the fire. Hand crews are beginning to engage in fire construction in areas where it's safe.

"We are working it hard from the air," Melton said. "We're protecting structures with ground resources where it's safe to do so."

About 115 personnel from multiple local, state and federal agencies are currently assigned to the fire. The fire is currently being managed by a Color Country Type-3 Incident Management Team. Tankers have been in the air since the early afternoon and a Great Basin Type-2 Team is expected to arrive Sunday afternoon.

All routes into Brian Head are closed to non-emergency vehicles. Those evacuating need to use SR-14 from the south side of town as SR-143 is closed from Second Left Hand Road to Highway 148 near Cedar Breaks National Monument as air tankers battle the flames.

Jared Burton, public information officer for the Brian Head Marshall's Office, said the size of the fire, location and terrain made the blaze difficult to contain before it reached town limits at approximately 4 p.m. Saturday.

A fire burns in Brian Head on Saturday, June 17, 2017.

A fire burns in Brian Head on Saturday, June 17, 2017.

Jordan Allred / The Spectrum & Daily News

While the official cause of the wildfire is still under investigation, Burton told The Spectrum & Daily News that it started as a man made debris fire outside of town limits in the county. Officials first learned about the blaze shortly after noon before it quickly spread upslope.

A wild fire burns outside of Brian Head on June 17 in this reader submitted photo.

A wild fire burns outside of Brian Head on June 17 in this reader submitted photo.

Steve Griffin / For The Spectrum & Daily News

Dry conditions have led to multiple fires in Iron County over the past week.